The Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (OYOSUBEB) has confirmed the killing of a teacher and the abduction of several pupils, students, and staff following an attack on LA School and Community Grammar School in the Ahoro-Esinele community, Oriire Local Government Area of the state. The attack occurred on the morning of Friday, May 15, 2026.
The chairman of the board, Nureni Aderemi Adeniran, confirmed the development in a statement, noting that the exact number of kidnapped pupils has yet to be ascertained as security operatives continue search and rescue efforts in the affected area. The board described the incident as painful and unfortunate, emphasizing that the attack has thrown the education community in the state into mourning.
OYOSUBEB also directed all primary schools in neighboring local government areas, including Surulere, Oyo East, Oriire, and Olorunsogo, to vacate immediately until further notice as part of efforts to prevent further security threats.
Official Statement from OYOSUBEB
The statement read: "The Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board expresses profound sorrow and deep concern over the unfortunate attack on LA School, Ahoro-Esinele, and Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esinele, Oriire LGUBEA, which resulted in the killing of a teacher and the kidnapping of some pupils. This is a dark and painful moment for our education family in Oyo State, and our hearts are with the affected parents, teachers, and the entire community."
"As we speak, the accurate number of pupils kidnapped is yet to be ascertained, as security agencies continue to comb the affected areas and establish full details of the incident. We understand the fear and anxiety this situation has caused, and we want to assure our parents and stakeholders that the safety of our children remains our utmost priority."
"I, Dr. Nureni Aderemi Adeniran, Executive Chairman of OYOSUBEB, in collaboration with the Honourable Commissioner for Education, wish to reassure the public that security operatives, under the direct coordination of the Commissioner of Police, are fully on top of the situation. A tactical response team has been deployed, and all necessary intelligence and operational measures are ongoing to ensure the safe rescue of the pupils and to restore peace to the community."
"In the interest of safety, the Board has directed all primary schools in neighboring communities, including Surulere, Oyo East, Oriire, and Olorunsogo, to immediately vacate their schools until further notice. This temporary measure is to prevent any secondary incidents and to allow security agencies to thoroughly stabilize the area."
"We appeal to parents, guardians, and community leaders to remain calm and prayerful. We understand your pain. We understand your fears. But we want to reassure you, your children will not be abandoned, and this government will not rest until every child is safely returned. The Board is in constant communication with security agencies, and updates will be shared as new information emerges."
"At this trying time, let us stand together as one united community. We mourn with the families of the teacher whose life was tragically cut short. His service, dedication, and sacrifice will never be forgotten. We call for cooperation, vigilance, and the avoidance of unverified information that may cause further panic. OYOSUBEB remains committed to protecting the lives of every child in our care."
Police Confirm Attack and Rescue Efforts
The spokesperson for the police in the state, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, also confirmed the development, stating that the command had launched an intensive manhunt and rescue operation following the coordinated attack. According to the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), preliminary investigations showed that the attackers, who operated on motorcycles, simultaneously invaded Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, as well as Community Grammar School and L. A Primary School, Esiele, abducting pupils, students, and staff members, including the Vice Principal, Mrs. Alamu Folawe.
He said no pupil or student had been confirmed killed as of the time of filing this report, adding that an assistant headmaster, identified as Mr. Adesiyan, was killed during the attack. Olayinka disclosed that a commercial motorcycle rider was shot dead after reportedly resisting attempts by the attackers to seize his bike.
"The command further gathered that Community Grammar School, Esiele, operates within the same premises as L. A Primary School, Esiele," Olayinka said. "The attackers, after abducting some victims, also took away a Toyota Corolla vehicle belonging to the abducted Vice Principal and later set the vehicle ablaze along the road leading to the forest."
"Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Police Command, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, immediately led operatives alongside other service commanders to the scene for on-the-spot assessment and operational coordination, while simultaneously directing a comprehensive manhunt for the perpetrators. Operational assets, tactical teams, and intelligence platforms have since been deployed to the affected communities to prevent any further breakdown of law and order, ensure public safety, and facilitate the rescue of the abducted victims as well as the apprehension of those responsible for the heinous act."
